UCLA Control of Stem-to-bone Cell Differentiation Promotes Bone Regeneration and Gum Disease Treatment

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Cancer scientists at the UCLA School of Dentistry have discovered two key epigenetic regulating genes responsible for the cell-fate determination of human bone marrow stem cells. What this means is that future dental researchers may learn control of the stem-to-bone cell differentiation process for treating metabolic bone diseases. Development of targeted treatments in craniofacial bone regeneration, bone reconstruction and osteoporosis may be possible.

Dr. Cun-Yu Wang says that the discovery improves understanding on how gene structure during epigenetic regulation of stem cell differentiation is modified without altering DNA sequence. Gene-activating enzymes – KDM6B and KDM4B – remove methyl markers from histone proteins, thereby enhancing stem-to-bone cell differentiation.

The science behind this find is linked to gene lineage favouring – where genes favour a particular lineage commitment is activated while genes favouring alternate lineages are deactivated. Through chemical manipulation, stem cells may differentiate into bone cells instead of fat cells. Being able to control the process means treatments for osteoporosis and gum disease may in future be targeted, offering more choices in ageing-related treatments and advanced patient care.

Details of the study are published in Cell Stem Cell – July 6 issue, an affiliated journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

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